Some American Airlines Pilots Say Their Uniforms Make Them Sick

Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg

- Apr 19, 2017 5:00 pm

Skift Take

This uniform saga has been a mess for American Airlines. But keep in mind, the pilot union has not been happy with American management for awhile, and it usually looks for any opportunity to criticize the airline’s executives. American says only four pilots have complained.

— Brian Sumers

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American Airlines pilots will be surveyed about reactions to the carrier’s new uniforms after about 100 reported rashes, itching and other symptoms similar to those experienced by hundreds of flight attendants.

Some aviators said recently they had red, swollen eyes and a general ill feeling even though they had been wearing the new clothing since September, according to Dennis Tajer, an Allied Pilots Association spokesman. The union plans to ask pilots later this week for feedback on reactions and advise them on what steps to take in response, he said Wednesday.

“They have to be fit for duty,” Tajer said in an interview. “If the uniform is making them not fit for duty, then something has to change.”

American distributed 1.5 million pieces to 70,000 employees in its first major uniform change in 30 years. The airline has declined to recall the clothing.

Twin Hill, a unit of Tailored Brands Inc., supplied the new uniforms and has worked with the airline and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants on testing since employees began reporting reactions. So far, nothing has been found to cause the problems.

American offered employees several options to replace uniform pieces, including an alternate supplier for flight attendants and customer service agents. Pilots have been given non-wool and cotton versions from Twin Hill, and the airline is working to secure another option, said Ron Defeo, a spokesman for American Airlines Group Inc. Employees also are being allowed to wear old uniforms.

“Whatever they find in their survey, we’re happy to meet and discuss it with them,” he said. “We’ve shown we’re willing to work and find solutions. We’d do the same with pilots.”

The flight attendants’ union has said more than 3,000 of their members have filed complaints since receiving the uniforms. American sets the count among all employees at about 800, including four pilots.

A representative for Tailored Brands didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.